Description
Why Kazakhstan?
Because why not Kazakhstan? The biggest of the “Stans”, the 9th biggest country on earth, and occupies a space about equivalent of Western Europe spreading from the Caspian Sea and Russia in the west and the north, China to the east and the Tian Shen Mountains and Kyrgyzstan to the south. This is where we get interested. Kazakh culture is an amalgamation of nomadic traditions, Islamic influences and its recent Soviet-era history, with a vibrant youthful arts culture developing in the city, while paying homage to its traditional roots. We can expect Central Asian hospitality, Yurt living, a steppe diet and etc etc.
Skiing and boarding in Kazakhstan
The Tian Shan Mountains which provide the backdrop for Almaty run for over 2500kms from China to Kyrgyzstan, with peaks higher than 7000m. Our resorts are nestled in here, with base altitudes of 2000m and highest elevated points above 3000m. The terrain is described as being friendly for both beginners and advanced skiers and boarders, with gorgeous natural beauty including pine forests and high peaks (plus snow leopards, brown bears, wolves etc that we have no chance of seeing, but that inhabit these ranges). When we’re going in February we’re guaranteed snow.
Food and wine in Kazakhstan
Drawing inspiration from Tengrian nomadic origins, modern Kazakh cuisine features lots of hearty meats and fermented dairy. We’ll be encouraged (but never forced) to try horse meat and fermented horse milk, as well as plenty of hearty soups, stews, and mutton and beef dishes. In the foothills around Almaty there’s a burgeoning wine scene and we’ll make sure we try them all, but be warned that vodka remains the national drink and face pulling is discouraged after doing a shot. For the sweet-tooths out there, we’ll find plenty of atomic deserts that will ensure you spend the night on a sugar high that has you seeing through your knees.
Culture in Kazakhstan
From Nomadic origins, to being an important stop on the Silk Road, the more recent Soviet history and now the country’s modernising we will find fascinating cultural moments everywhere we look in Kazakhstan. We’ll visit an ethno-village to see the traditional yurts, eagle hunting, archery and horseriding and explore the Green Bazaar where we can see how traditional Kazakh culture unfolds (over some atomic sweets).
Getting to Almaty, Kazakhstan
There’s an 8h direct flight to Almaty with Air Astana that goes from Heathrow, otherwise UK adventurers would have to fly with Pegasus or Turkish Airways through Istanbul for about 10-14h of travel time. Prices start at around €400 return.
From Europe there are direct flights from Frankfurt, taking around 7h, or again via Istanbul. From Barcelona and Madrid a good option is to fly through the Gulf and then up to Almaty for a time of around 12h. Prices are around €500 return.
From the USA you’ll fly via Istanbul, Frankfurt or Doha as above, but it will take you more like 18-20h and you’ll arrive refreshed and ready to shred.
From Down Under you’ll also be going via Doha and have the longest trip out of everybody, but you’re used to it, so get on that bird and let’s go SHRED!
The rest of the world, hit us up and we’ll help you with flights.
And nope, you don’t need a visa for Kazakhstan
You’ve got 30 days of visa-free travel if you’re from Europe, the Americas, or the Asia-Pacific region.
Still interested in our Exploration Trip to Kazakhstan?
Then fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch. Our Georgia Exploration Trip last winter sold out in 36 hours of opening up the sales to the people who made it through the application process, we wonder if there’ll be the same interest in Kazakhstan (we guess absolutely yes, who doesn’t want to have a massive adventure with a dash of downhill speeding to make it more exciting?)
